What we will cover today: Preparation Selecting Funding Sources Reality Check Contents Expectations Evaluation/Review process Next steps (awarded or d

Transcription

1 Planning and Writing Federal Grant Proposals Jessica Counts-Arnold U.S. EPA Region 9 October 28, 2010

2 What we will cover today: Preparation Selecting Funding Sources Reality Check Contents Expectations Evaluation/Review process Next steps (awarded or denied) Resources

3 Preparation Is this project necessary? Why? How is your organization qualified to meet this need? What specific objectives do you want to accomplish? What problem will it address? Who will you serve?

4 Preparation.cont. How will they benefit from this program? How will you spend the money? Who will be in charge of the project and budget? How will you know whether you have achieved your goals?

5 Selecting The Right Funding Source Ask colleagues to brainstorm potential funding agencies for your project Conduct an internet search for your specific topic (grants.gov), WSPPN listserv Call the agency contact and discuss your project idea before submission What are the eligibility requirements? Can you meet any cost sharing/matching requirements?

6 Reality Check Is this really a good fit? Can I make the deadline? How much time will it take to write the proposal? Who will oversee the project? How much funding will be needed? Can it come from more than one source? Is the funding adequate?

7 Expectations Follow the guidelines of the funding agency s RFP precisely Be sure to follow the format which may include: Number of pages (minimum and maximum) Required sections/headings Number of copies Supporting documents (letters of support, budget worksheet, resumes, financial forms etc) Submission requirements (deadline, fedgrants.gov, overnight) Whatever they ask for, do!

8 Contents Introduction/Summary Problem Statement Project Goals and Objectives Activities Methodology

9 Continued.Contents Budget Expected Outputs/Outcomes t t Other funding that will be utilized for this project

10 Project Goals and Objectives What do we hope to accomplish? Who are the people you will assist? Where will the project be located? Describe the goals, scope and activities List the number of constituents you plan to serve Include a timeline and milestones

11 Activities What will the results of your activities be? How will this impact those involved with this project? Will the activities result in a lasting effect for the problem?

12 Expected Outputs & Outcomes Outputs= Stakeholder groups involved Workshops, trainings On On-site assistance visits Fact sheets developed or distributed Outcomes= Pounds of Pollution reduced Energy conserved Water conserved Dollars saved

13 Methodology How will you evaluate your project success? Pounds, energy, water Waste eliminated or reduced Behavior changes Reuse Recycle Environmentally-friendly purchasing

14 Estimated P2 Outcomes for the Green Hotels Project

15 The Budget Budgets too low could cast doubt on your planning ability Inflated budgets could be considered red flags for waste Incomplete budgets are examples of poor preparation and planning

16 Preparing Your Budget Provide sufficient resources to carry out your project (qualified personnel, time, money) Include a budget narrative for major categories Have sufficient detail Relate budget items to project objectives

17 Qualifications Be sure to include key contact t information, statement of qualification/resume/cv for all key personnel involved in your project Establish Etblih credentials til to do the project Qualified organization Past performance Past grant experience Letters of support

18 Letters of Support from Partners Demonstrate a commitment to the success of the project. Ensure letter specifies your partner s role Encourage partners to do letters early Make sure letters are submitted with proposal packages

19 Formatting Tips Read and follow all proposal guidelines Number of pages required Specific format (electronic submissions, i font size, double/single spaced etc.) Use bold type to emphasize key words and ideas (avoid overemphasis) Lists are easy for readers to skim, they convey information quickly

20 Appearance cont. cont Use exact headings and subheadings listed in RFP Print cover letter on the organization s letterhead Signed by the highest ranking employee at your organization Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!!!

21 The Evaluation Process Who are the reviewers? Regional? National? Key reviewer questions Is the project transferable? Does the applicant meet the agency s and regional priorities? Did the applicant address the criteria? i

22 Acceptance Offer Complete agency required forms Meet the deadline for turning in additional paperwork Develop a good working relationship with grant specialist and project officer Submit progress reports on time

23 If your proposal p is not awarded Contact the agency for feedback Ask more questions if feedback is not clear Use feedback for the next solicitation round Don t get discouraged

24 Pollution Prevention Grants for States/Tribes Purpose: To build and support state pollution prevention (P2) capabilities and to test, at the state level, innovative pollution prevention approaches and methodologies. Typical Award Amount: Up to 200K per project Who s eligible to apply? States agencies, federall-recognized recognized tribes, territories & possessions. States are strongly encouraged to form partnerships with other P2 providers. When to Apply? RFP typically announced in Spring

25 Source Reduction Assistance Purpose: To support source reduction/pollution prevention demonstration projects that will provide an overall benefit to the environment by preventing pollutants at the source. Typical Award Amount: $25K-$75K. $75K. No matching share required Who s eligible ibl to apply? States, Tribes, local governments, school district governments, nonprofits. When to Apply? RFP typically announced in Spring

26 Outside the P2 $ Box Explore other agencies funding ie. HUD, DOL, DOE, Commerce etc. Look at Federal ARRA/Stimulus $ Example-DOL Green Jobs Training Grants

27 Resources EPA Purdue University Grant Writing Tips Centralized site for all Federal Grants gov State of California Grants EPA Grant Writing Tips California Integrated Waste Management Board's Grant Writing Tips p// / / p EPA Region 9 s Available Grants EPA Region 9 s Funding Solicitations/RFP

28 Thank You Thank You!!! Enjoy San Diego!!! Jessica Counts-Arnold P2 Coordinator